Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–2
The Tetons have received up to 12” of the snow above 9000’. Varying wind direction from southwest to northwest has formed soft slabs 1-2 feet deep on upper elevation wind loaded terrain. Look for unstable wind loaded snow off leeward ridgelines and confined features such as couloirs or cliff bands. Recent snow lies on a poor bonding interface of crusts on W-S-E aspects and are capable of entraining large amounts of snow. Obvious signs of shooting cracks may not be present as even slightly denser snow can fail on the old snow interface. Small wind slab avalanches could also have higher consequences in more complex or sustained terrain. Expect slab depths to increase the higher you travel in elevation.
Two days ago, two riders were caught and carried while ascending very steep, wind-loaded terrain. This accident highlights the nature of the current problem and is a good reminder of how quickly conditions can change on wind-loaded slopes.
(4/1/2025)
Skier triggered avalanche two days ago on a wind loaded slopes that caught and carried multiple people.